The International Trade Secretary appeared to hint that the Government is willing to make concessions on immigration to get a Brexit deal

“There is no consent in Britain for uncontrolled immigration. We are developing an immigration system that will continue to attract and retain people who come here to work and bring significant benefits, but will not offer an open door to those who don’t.”

Mr Fox also risked sparking a fresh Tory rift after saying EU citizens could be given preferential treatment by allowing them to come to Britain if they have a job.

He insisted freedom of movement would end after Britain quits the EU but added: “I think the public would differentiate between people who come to the UK with a job, who will be contributing to the economy, and those, who under free movement, were able to come to the UK and use our public services without ever having contributed to them.”